How to Recover From a Frontal Lobe Brain Injury

Any brain injury is serious, and an injury to the frontal lobe, which handles many cognitive and speech functions is no exception. During such a traumatic event, it may be difficult to believe that recovery from a frontal lobe brain injury is possible. But if you understand the nature of your injury and the types of treatments available, the recovery process will seem less hopeless.

Instructions

Recovering From Frontal Lobe Injury

• 1

  Ensure proper diagnosis of your brain injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several tests your doctor should perform to fully diagnose your frontal lobe injury. Ask your doctor to perform a CT scan and an MRI. CT scans create cross section images of your brain to detect blood clots and tissue damage. The Mayo Clinic warns MRIs are not used during the emergency diagnosis because they take a long time to create a detailed image of the brain. Ask your doctor if you need to be scheduled for an MRI.

• 2

  Know the symptoms of frontal lobe brain injury. Depending on the part of the frontal lobe that has been injured and the severity of the injury, there are many possible symptoms. These can include loss of inhibitions, apathy, problems speaking, partial paralysis, depression, and a delay in understanding questions or complicated actions. Make sure your friends and caretakers understand these possible symptoms to help you during your recovery.

• 3

  Work closely with your doctor to reduce the risk of swelling. When the frontal lobe is injured, the tissues can swell, restricting blood flow to that area. This blood loss increases the damage to your frontal lobe. Consult your doctor about an inter-cranial pressure monitor to track swelling, and medications like diuretics that reduce swelling by reducing fluids.

• 4

  Seek rehabilitation therapy for your frontal lobe injury. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist experienced with brain injury. According to the Mayo Clinic, people with frontal lobe damage, "may need to relearn basic skills, such as walking or talking." Develop a plan with your therapist to manage any permanent symptoms caused by your brain injury as well.